- Micronations
- Founded 2001
- Dissolved 2002
- Founder Joep van Lieshout
In the year 2001 Dutch artist Joep van Lieshout, realised AVL-Ville, a ‘free state’ in the port of Rotterdam with its own constitution, currency and flag. It was a utopian village, where people could live and work in an ecological, autarkic way. It was partly set up as a protest against the over-regulation of the Dutch government. After a successful and tumultuous year, AVL-Ville had to close its doors.
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Taiwan
Taiwan, officially the Republic of China, is a de facto island state in the East Chinese Sea. The People’s Republic of China has consistently claimed sovereignty over Taiwan and refuses diplomatic relations with any country that recognizes this republic. Taiwan is the 22nd-largest economy in the world, and its high-tech industry plays a key role in the global economy, it is unrecognized by most member states of the United Nations. Still, many countries maintain unofficial ties with Taiwan through representative offices and institutions that function as de facto embassies and consulates.
Antarctica
Antarctica is the most southern continent on Earth. Although there was speculation dating back to antiquity about a large piece of land in the South territory (Terra Australis), Antarctica was discovered as late as 1820 by a Russian expedition. As a result of the barren conditions it was left untouched until a Norwegian expedition led by Roald Amundsen landed on the continent in 1895, beating the British Robert Scott whose team died in the attempt. Antarctica is a condominium, governed by parties who signed the Antarctic Treaty drawn up in 1959. Fifty countries have signed up so far. Since Antarctica is relatively untouched it is an important place for scientific research on climate change.
